Richie Anderson ‘cancels’ plans as he joins Strictly Come Dancing line-up | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

The former Sunday League footballer will be part of an all-male dance partnership for Strictly Come Dancing 2022 which will air on BBC One later this year. Richie said he cannot wait to “get in those sparkles” but admitted he will have to cancel his “legendary” launch night party.

Richie said in a statement: “This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world.

“Strictly is the ultimate feel-good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism.

“I’m going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I’m sure my friends and family will understand.

“It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show.”

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He said: “[My mum’s] had such a tough time, she lost my dad, I wanted to give her something to look forward to.

“She lost my dad and her brother and brother-in-law and sister in a year, in 2020, through Covid.

“It was a really tough time for the family and we wanted to get on this Strictly train together and add a bit of positivity as she can come down to the show.”

He later said: “So there are a few reasons why I am doing it, and I just think mentally it will be good for me to have something to focus on.”